New Music Releases: Jaco Pastorius Band, Frank Bey, Erik Jekabson Sextet

Jaco Pastorius Band – Tokyo 83

Once they heard him play, few people disagreed with Jaco Pastorius' assessment of himself as the 'greatest bass player in the world'. His meteoric rise in 1977 to the bass chair in Weather Report and his work with Joni Mitchell, established him as a major player on the jazz and rock scenes. Broadcast by NHK radio at Shinjyuku Koseinenkin, Tokyo on 22nd May 1983, this is a rare example of his eclectic Word of Mouth small group having fun with a variety of musical styles. Given his status Jaco could have filled his septet with A-listers, instead he assembled a cast of journeyman and pals from the old days, all of whom can most definitely play. Compared to the high precision fusion he'd been making with Weather Report Jaco's small band outings at this time were rough and ready affairs. Perhaps for Jaco that was partly the point. There is no doubt that at some level this music represents Jaco looking back and enjoying himself with friends. Mirroring his 1976 debut album the set lists for this tour included reggae, funk, latin percussion, soul and jazz all featured alongside Jaco's crowd pleasing solo spots. Broadcast by NHK radio at Shinjyuku Koseinenkin, Tokyo on 22nd May 1983, this is a rare example of his eclectic Word of Mouth small group having fun with a variety of musical styles.

Frank Bey – All My Dues Are Paid

In follow up to his award-winning 2018 album, "Back In Business," Frank Bey powerfully asserts his career status with All My Dues Are Paid. Co-written with Nola Blue Records label mate Kathy Murray, album producer Kid Andersen and co-producer Rick Estrin, the uptempo title track for his sixth album is a celebration of the unstoppable journey of soul bluesman Frank Bey. Recorded at Greaseland Studios in San Jose, California, Bey is accompanied by an elite group of musicians including multi-Grammy winners Jim Pugh (keyboards) and Jerry Jemmott (bass); multi-Blues Music Award nominee Nancy Wright (saxophone); drummer Derrick D'Mar Martin (Little Richard) and percussionist Vicki Randle (Tonight Show band).

Erik Jekabson Sextet - One Note At A Time

Erik Jekabson powerhouse Sextet includes Dave Ellis and John Santos releases a remarkable third record on Wide Hive. This third album from Erik Jekabson's sextet on Wide Hive Records, features nine expansive new compositions with an all-star group featuring saxophonist Dave Ellis (Charlie Hunter Trio), guitarist Dave Mac Nab (Hamilton sf), bassist John Wiitala, drummer Hamir Atwal (Tuneyards) and legendary percussionist John Santos. Erik Jekabson is a well known bay area musician who has played trumpet with Galactic, John Mayer, and Kamasi Washington in Throttle Elevator Music. Here, with his sextet, Erik continues to establish his own sound with a steady, transcendent feel. Also featured is Avotcja on vocals for the title track; one note at a time along with mads tolling on violin. Traditionally cut at Studio D in San Rafael in one day, the album has a classic sound reminiscent of late sixties but with a modern edge and energy that makes it truly relevant in the musical current of today.